Yes, we have realised that the acquisition of sodium hydroxide is a key concern in soap-making. We are currently working on finding widely-available alternatives to sodium hydroxide, or possibly even making it available in small quantities to the public (it isn’t allowed currently as it is considered a potential danger).

Once we find an alternative, it would definitely be a huge breakthrough for us, as your sentiment is echoed by many of our workshop participants to date. We will update when we do so.

Our first phase, research and development, only spans from March to June, so we were extremely fortunate to have obtained the contacts of a Japanese lady who is part of Japan’s (used) oil-to-soap movement, which has been going on for in Japan for more than a decade. (in case you’re wondering, the soap has been proven safe to wash pots and pans!)

This lady gave us many tips, as well as lent us her local oil-to-soap recipe, which we translated from Japanese and tried out. Upon further research through craft books and the internet, however, we realized that her recipe did not differ largely from many typical oil-to-soap recipes – the difference was that her recipe involved used cooking oil, instead of the unused oil (or even essential oils) that other conventional recipes called for.

Since the difference in product obtained lay in the oil, we subsequently switched our focus to researching and attempting a variety of oil-purifying methods, finally settling with the flour method (whereby we leave flour to settle in the oil for a day or two before decanting the oil).

The rest, they say, is history. (: Essentially, our recipe has indeed been obtained through much research, but the experimental process, especially with regard to sourcing for suitable fragrances, colouring and oil purification methods, would deem our resulting recipe a greasily unique one.

We’re afraid we’re unable to ship the materials or equipment over to you, but you’re free to follow the soap-making methodology as described on this very page. It is a reliable tried-and-tested method which has proven to yield beautiful soap if followed carefully. Remember to measure out the ingredients in accurate proportions and follow the safety precautions, though!

Best of luck in making your very own soap bars, made from used cooking oil! (: